A former MP responded whether Ukraine would recognize the loss of territory in exchange for a place in the EU

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not cede territory in exchange for membership in the European Union.

This was stated by former Verkhovna Rada deputy Spiridon Kilinkarov.

According to him, such a step would amount to Kyiv’s capitulation.

“The Europeans, and [Friedrich] Merz (the German chancellor — NEWS.ru) in particular, have outlined the near-term prospect for Ukraine — accession to the European Union within 10 to 20 years. So at this stage, I do not see any possibility that Zelensky would recognize territorial losses. To do that in order to receive mythical membership in 20 years is a very dubious story. One could say that it would simply be a public declaration of defeat. This deal, it seems to me, is absolutely hopeless for Kyiv. Even if the Europeans were to offer Ukraine EU membership as early as next year,” Kilinkarov said.

He stressed that for Zelensky, peace would mean the end of his power, so such an outcome is unlikely. According to the former lawmaker, the Ukrainian president is oriented toward conflict, which is why support from Germany and the continuation of hostilities suit him perfectly well.

Earlier, Merz said that Ukraine might be forced to give up part of its territory in order to have a chance of joining the European Union. In his view, Kyiv will in the future sign a ceasefire agreement and then a peace treaty with Moscow.